Abstract

As part of the RCUK–India civil nuclear research collaboration, British and Indian researchers have assessed the merits and disadvantages of, and potential for, open-cycle thorium–uranium-fuelled (Th–U-fuelled) nuclear energy systems. The research centred on fuel cycle modelling and life-cycle assessment of three Th–U-fuelled nuclear energy systems and compared these to a reference uranium-fuelled nuclear energy system, all operating with open nuclear fuel cycles. The results indicate that thorium-based fuels offer little benefit over conventional uranium-fuelled approaches for open-cycle nuclear energy production. This paper provides an overview on the project and stresses overarching conclusions.